HOLD OFF (ON) Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

hold off (on)

verb

Definition of hold off (on)

as in to postpone

to assign to a later time we held off on accepting the invitation in the hopes that something better would come along

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for hold off (on)

Verb

In Madera, organizers postponed the third annual Oaxacan Guelaguetza festival, amid growing fears, according to the group’s Facebook account.

— Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026
In February, the Louvre postponed a competition to select an architect in charge of expanding the museum that had been announced less than a year prior.

— Alex Greenberger, ARTnews.com, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of postpone

Verb

More than 350 flights were canceled or delayed at Moscow airports, local media reported, as planes were grounded in response to incoming drones.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
Green denied that characterization and declined to elaborate on the challenges that delayed the delivery beyond the missing money.

— Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of delay

Verb

Trump issued an executive order last week allowing truckers to use tax-exempt offroad diesel on the highway, but the tax obligation is deferred not eliminated.

— Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 13 Oct. 2026
The court has deferred a decision on the lease and sublease rejections until a hearing Wednesday.

— Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of defer

Verb

Our top picks In an effort to figure out which aprons best marry form and function, my colleagues and I put over a dozen options to the test in our own homes.

— Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 14 Oct. 2026
After losing nearly a stroke and a half to the field on the greens in Round 1, Åberg has gained nearly three strokes putting over the last two days.

— Justin Ray, New York Times, 19 July 2026

Definition of put over

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hold off

hold off (on)

hold on

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“Hold off (on).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hold%20off%20%28on%29. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hold off (on)

verb

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